Former Paris Saint-Germain and Napoli forward Ezequiel Lavezzi has opened up about his battle with depression, revealing how he struggled after retiring from football and how Lionel Messi helped him through a difficult period.
Ezequiel Lavezzi Opens Up About Depression After Retirement
For many professional footballers, retirement represents the end of one chapter and the beginning of an exciting new one.
For Lavezzi, however, stepping away from the game brought an unexpected and deeply difficult period.
The former Argentina international retired from professional football in December 2019 after finishing his career with Chinese Super League side Hebei China Fortune.
Lavezzi had enjoyed a hugely successful career, particularly during his time in Europe with Napoli and Paris Saint-Germain, where he established himself as one of the most recognisable forwards of his generation.
But once the routine of professional football disappeared, Lavezzi found himself struggling to adjust to life away from the game.
Speaking candidly in an interview with Prime Video, the former forward explained that the sudden change left him facing a profound sense of emptiness.
“When I stopped playing, a void appeared and there was nothing to fill it,” Lavezzi explained.
He revealed that he subsequently suffered from depression and was admitted to a psychiatric clinic as he began the process of recovering.
The 41-year-old also confirmed that he is currently taking medication and undergoing treatment, describing his recovery as a gradual process.
How Fatherhood Helped Ezequiel Lavezzi Find a New Purpose
While the transition away from football proved incredibly challenging, Lavezzi also spoke about the role his family has played in helping him through difficult moments.
In particular, he credited the birth of his son with changing his outlook on life and giving him a renewed sense of purpose.
“The birth of my son changed my life,” Lavezzi said, explaining that fatherhood brought him happiness and gave him the motivation to continue moving forward.
His comments highlight the importance of having a sense of purpose beyond football, particularly for players who have spent much of their lives immersed in the professional game.
For Lavezzi, discovering that purpose has been part of a gradual recovery rather than an overnight transformation.
How Lionel Messi Supported Ezequiel Lavezzi
Lavezzi also revealed that he was not alone during his struggles.
The former Argentina forward said that people from across the football world rallied around him, with several former teammates and friends offering their support.
Among them was Lionel Messi, with whom Lavezzi developed a close friendship during their time together with Argentina.
Lavezzi described Messi as a “fantastic person” and explained that the pair remain in regular contact.
He also singled out Sergio Aguero and former Napoli teammate Paolo Cannavaro as people who were there for him during his difficult period.
“The football world stood right by my side,” Lavezzi said, highlighting the importance of the support he received from those around him.
For a player who had spent years surrounded by teammates, coaches and staff, that sense of connection appears to have been particularly important after leaving professional football.
Ezequiel Lavezzi Shares a Message of Hope
Despite opening up about some of the most difficult moments of his life, Lavezzi's message was ultimately one of hope.
The former forward encouraged anyone experiencing similar struggles to continue fighting and to believe that recovery is possible.
“To anyone who is suffering, I say that with humility and the will to fight, you can get through it,” he said.
Lavezzi's willingness to speak publicly about his experience also highlights the challenges professional athletes can face away from the pitch.
His story serves as a reminder that the end of a football career can bring significant emotional challenges, even for players who have enjoyed huge success.
For Lavezzi, recovery continues step by step — supported by his family, close friends and a football community that has remained by his side.
